Jalen Hurts, the dynamic quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, recently found himself fielding a barrage of questions about a figure from his past, former New York Giants defensive coordinator, Wink Martindale. During a recent media session, more than half of the initial inquiries directed at Hurts revolved around Martindale, illustrating the widespread curiosity about their interactions.
Last season, the Eagles had a promising start, posting a 10-1 record. However, the team stumbled in the latter part of the season, losing six of their final seven games. Their season ultimately ended in disappointment with a wild card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Seeking Knowledge
Undeterred by the season's ending, Hurts seized the offseason as an opportunity for growth, reaching out to several defensive masterminds, including the former Giants’ coordinator. Hurts aimed to understand New York's defensive strategies against him, delving into the mind of Martindale to glean valuable insights. “I was just trying to pick his brain, see what he saw in us, trying to get some tips on some things. I think it was more so for me trying to continue to pour into my cup in terms of knowledge, and I've had a lot of respect for what he's done,” Hurts said.
In addition to Martindale, Hurts also engaged with the Eagles’ current defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, exploring defensive strategies and techniques from within his own camp. By tapping into these seasoned defensive minds, Hurts demonstrated his commitment to improvement and his drive to elevate his game.
In-Depth Conversations
Hurts opened up about the depth of his conversations with Martindale, highlighting the mutual respect between the player and the coordinator. "He's a very respectable person, actually a great person, a great coach and has a great mentality on how he goes about his business," Hurts remarked.
These interactions were not just superficial; Hurts aimed to understand the specifics of defensive gameplay, including techniques and the intentions behind Martindale’s play-calling. “I joked about the competitiveness between the two of us, but having those conversations with him and seeing what certain techniques defensive backs are playing and what his intentions are behind each play, what's he trying to take away, where's he vulnerable at,” Hurts elaborated.
Learning and Development
Hurts’ quest for knowledge is part of a broader mission to foster his development and become a more effective leader on the field. "All of that is an eventual tool for me in my development and understanding where the boys are so I can play better football," he explained. The lessons learned from these interactions are not confined to personal growth, as Hurts believes they will translate into better team performance.
Reflecting on the team's previous season, Hurts noted, "This team is one of those teams that's going to do that, especially with the things that we've been able to experience." He acknowledged the challenges faced in the past season as crucial learning opportunities. “It was a developing time, it was a time of development for us, and that's something we learned from,” Hurts observed.
As the new season approaches, Hurts' dedication to understanding the intricacies of defensive strategies and his willingness to seek wisdom from seasoned coordinators set a promising tone. His commitment to improving as a leader and quarterback signals an exciting direction for the Eagles and their loyal fan base.